In the latest episode of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver took the time to catch up on the biggest news stories that occurred during the five-month-long Writers Guild of America strike. After recapping the events, Oliver expressed his regret at not being able to cover these stories when they initially happened due to the strike. He acknowledged the immense difficulty faced by the writers and everyone else working on the show during the strike, emphasizing the importance of a fair contract.
Oliver highlighted the reasons behind the strike, pointing out how the entertainment industry has been squeezing the work of writers and actors, resulting in insufficient compensation and inability to afford basic needs. He praised the efforts of the Writers Guild in going on strike and ultimately achieving a fair deal. However, he expressed his frustration that it took the studios 148 days to reach an agreement that could have been offered on day one.
While Oliver was pleased with the outcome of the strike and proud of his union’s accomplishments, he hoped that the success of the writers would inspire other workers in different industries to unite and fight for better conditions. He specifically mentioned SAG-AFTRA and IATSE, expressing his desire for them to leverage the writers’ achievements to secure fair contracts for themselves as well.
Oliver stressed the importance of recognizing the collective effort of all individuals involved in creating films and TV shows. He argued that everyone deserves a fair share of the rewards, and actors, in particular, should be able to return to work as soon as possible.
The episode concluded with the promise of more news and updates to come in future episodes.
The Writers Guild strike was a significant event in the entertainment industry, affecting numerous television shows and movies. The strike began on November 5, 2019, and ended on March 2, 2020. It resulted in a pause in the production of various shows and films, including Last Week Tonight.
During the strike, writers demanded fair compensation for their work, as well as improved healthcare benefits. The strike affected not only the writers themselves but also other individuals involved in the production process, such as actors, crew members, and support staff. The Writers Guild’s fight for better working conditions highlighted the broader issue of income inequality and unfair treatment in the industry.
The strike ultimately proved successful, with the writers achieving their goals and securing a fair contract. However, the length of the strike and the resistance faced from studios raised questions about the reluctance of the entertainment industry to address the concerns of its workers. Oliver’s comments on the delay in reaching an agreement underscored the frustration felt by many throughout the strike.
Moving forward, Oliver expressed the hope that other unions and workers would draw inspiration from the writers’ success. He encouraged individuals in various industries, including auto workers, baristas, and healthcare providers, to come together and find power in each other. By uniting and standing up for their rights, workers could create meaningful change and secure fair contracts.
As the entertainment industry moves past the strike and returns to normalcy, Oliver emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of all individuals involved in the production of films and TV shows. He stressed that actors, in particular, deserve better working conditions and a fair share of the rewards.
In conclusion, John Oliver used his first show back since the Writers Guild of America strike to catch up on the news stories that occurred during the strike period. He expressed his regret at not being able to cover these stories in real-time and highlighted the importance of a fair contract for writers and workers in the entertainment industry. Oliver’s comments serve as a call to action for workers across various industries to unite and fight for better conditions. As the industry moves forward, it is crucial to recognize the collective effort involved in creating films and TV shows and ensure that all individuals receive fair treatment and compensation for their work.
